I Packed This Myself

The suitcases and structures in I Packed This Myself reveal the backgrounds, emotions and pressures faced by people who make long journeys to change their lives. Photograph: Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts/Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts

Hundreds of workers from eastern Europe pick daffodils and harvest spring crops in Cornwall. For each person, deciding what to pack at the start of their journey was crucial. The exhibition's creators asked local workers what they brought and painted images of their treasured possessions into a suitcase. Photograph: Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts/Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts

Often migrant workers’ lives remain hidden from local people. The suitcases in I Packed This Myself are open and reveal their backgrounds. Polish, Bulgarian and Romanian workers who came to Cornwall brought food from home, a decorative traditional plate and an icon. Photograph: Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts/Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts

An estimated 3,000 Portuguese live in central Cornwall, many working in the meat processing industry. Many said they had brought items which reminded them of their religion and their music. Photograph: Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts/Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts

Jose Faria, originally from the Azores, carried a statue of Our Lady of Fatema. He works seven days a week, in a care home and a local supermarket. Photograph: Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts/Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts

Most of the Portuguese interviewed said religion was important to them, even if they did not attend services in the UK. Photograph: Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts/Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts

Jose Faria is a lively member of his local Catholic church in Bodmin, Cornwall. He also sings in three choirs locally, including a male voice choir. Photograph: Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts/UnassignedJulian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts

A mirrored suitcase reflects images back from it to suggest anyone could be a migrant worker. Photograph: Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts/Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts

Visitors said what they would take in their suitcase if they had to leave Cornwall to find work. Here are some of their ideas. Photograph: Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts/Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts

Alongside the exhibition, art workshops are being run at the gallery for groups of all ages, and an education pack has been produced to accompany the exhibition. Photograph: Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts/Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts

A suitcase contributed by artist Paul Matosic, which belonged to his father who carried it with him through Europe during the war before arriving in the UK in the late 1940s. Photograph: Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts/Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts

Names and dates are scratched on the suitcase showing where he has been. Photograph: Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts/Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts

3D design students from University College Falmouth also contributed work. Ross Tibbles’ suitcase looked at language and understanding. Photograph: Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts/Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts

Jack Seal turned a suitcase inside out. A Romanian worker told him that what she carried within herself – but outside the suitcase – was the most important thing that she brought to the UK. Photograph: Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts/Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts

Student Joe Bennett’s migrant worker's caravan. Photograph: Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts/Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts

Sophie Moura, of Bodmin, performing Fado music. For many Portuguese, Fado music is the sound of home. Photograph: Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts/Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts

Listening to Fado music performed by Sophia Moura. Photograph: Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts/Julian Barford/University College Falmouth/Bridging Arts